Looking for your next fun family outing? Take in some fresh air and explore the great outdoors together with five of our favorite family-friendly hikes.
1. Skyline Ridge (Alpine Pond & Nature Center)
County: San Mateo
Description: Very short & flat
Mileage: 1
Elevation gain: none
Why we love it: Great for the smallest hikers, this includes a visit to the tiny but well-presented nature center at Alpine Pond. Sit for a snack at the benches and watch for ducks and other wildlife in the pond.
2. Long Ridge (Peters Creek Trail)
County: San Mateo
Description: Short & flat, with longer options
Mileage: 2 and up
Elevation gain: flat unless you make a loop
Why we love it: Peters Creek is shaded and beautiful. Small hikers can take a moment to splash in the creek, and if you have sturdier hikers, a loop can be made by taking Long Ridge Rd back.
Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve Map
Long Ridge Preserve Map
3. Purisima Creek Redwoods (Purisima Creek trail, from Higgins-Purisima Rd)
County: San Mateo
Description: Beautiful redwoods, flat, with lots of options
Mileage: 1 or more
Elevation gain: flat, unless you create a loop
Why we love it: One of the most beautiful trails in the Bay Area! This trail is flat enough to bring a stroller but beautiful enough that even 10 minutes is stunning. For stronger hikers, the Craig Britton/Harkins Ridge trail will not disappoint.
4. Tilden Regional Park (park at Steam Trains)
County: Alameda
Description: Big views for short hiking output.
Mileage: 2 and up
Elevation gain: Very small hills– if you take Vollmer Peak trail first, it will seem like more downhill than the opposite way.
Why we love it: On clear days from the Seaview trail, you can take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and Mount Diablo on the other. Plus, a visit to the Steam Trains afterward is a great hiking reward.
5. Moore Creek Park (Valentine Vista, return Moore Creek trail)
County: Napa
Description: Exposed trail with views up and down the valley surrounding Moore Creek, then a chance to play in shady Moore Creek.
Mileage: 4.6
Elevation: Climbing at the beginning but then mostly flat until it heads back down to the creek, then flat back to the parking lot.
Why we love it: Little known trails, beautiful views for a bit of tougher climbing, and shady Moore Creek provides excellent creek play opportunities.
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